Joe Skarz scored on his 32nd birthday as Golcar United fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against a youthful and energetic Huddersfield Town under-19 side.
Player-coach Skarz, who played for Town between 2006 and 2010, pulled a goal back in the second half before Oliver Willetts levelled with 20 minutes remaining.
The Town youngsters gave Golcar a searching test in the first half but they faded late on as the home side’s strength and experience came to the fore.
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It was Town’s Donay O’Brien-Brady who put the Terriers ahead in the 24th minute. Jimiel Chikukwa put a pass through to O’Brien-Brady who slotted the ball through the keeper’s legs only to see it come back off the post. O’Brien-Brady followed up to tap home.
The Terriers doubled their lead two minutes into the second half as Sonny Whittingham struck his shot under the on-rushing keeper.
United got back into the game after Skarz scored a stunning free-kick midway through the second half.
As the visitors tired, Golcar got back into the game in the 70th minute when Oliver Willets went on a mazy run at the edge of the box before scoring a 20 yard screamer with a left foot strike.
United’s next pre-season game is a home tie against Emley at the Sky Direct Stadium on Saturday July 17 3pm kick off.
Gallery of pictures by: SEAN DOYLE. Special thanks to JOHN SYKES too.
